Battery state of charge indicator with an auxiliary cell

ABSTRACT

A state of charge indicator may include an indicator with a display threshold and an auxiliary cell having an auxiliary cell voltage. The auxiliary cell may be electrically coupled to the indicator such that when a difference between a main cell voltage of a main cell and the auxiliary cell voltage is less than the display threshold, the indicator is inactive and when the difference between the main cell voltage and the auxiliary cell voltage is greater than or about equal to the display threshold, the indicator is active.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally directed to indicator apparatusesfor electrical storage devices.

BACKGROUND

On-cell indicators require a user to press one or two buttons, wait forseveral seconds and then observe an indicator that shows the state ofcharge of the battery. This is inconvenient for the user because theymust remove the batteries from the device, hold the battery, and pressthe button(s). The user must then reinstall the battery into the device.This is cumbersome and time consuming.

Electro-chromic displays draw very little power from the battery beingtested and can therefore remain on and allow the user to just look atthe battery to determine the state of charge. However, the currentstate-of-the-art in electro-chromic indicator technology has shortoperational life (less than a few weeks once activated) if it iscontinuously powered in the on condition.

Accordingly, a need exists for improved on-cell indicators that do notrequire user activation and increase the service life of theelectro-chromic display.

SUMMARY

A state of charge indicator may include an indicator with a displaythreshold and an auxiliary cell having an auxiliary cell voltage. Theauxiliary cell may be electrically coupled to the indicator such thatwhen a difference between a main cell voltage of a main cell and theauxiliary cell voltage is less than the display threshold, the indicatoris inactive and when the difference between the main cell voltage andthe auxiliary cell voltage is greater than or about equal to the displaythreshold, the indicator is active.

In another embodiment, an energy storage replacement indicator systemmay include a display with a display threshold and an auxiliary cellhaving an auxiliary cell voltage that is inverse-proportional to anenergy storage voltage of an energy storage device. The auxiliary cellis electrically coupled to the display such that when a differencebetween the energy storage voltage and the auxiliary cell voltage isless than the display threshold, the display is inactive and when thedifference between the energy storage voltage and the auxiliary cellvoltage is greater than or about equal to the display threshold, thedisplay is active.

In yet another embodiment, a battery state of charge indicator mayinclude an indicator with a display threshold, a battery having abattery voltage, and an auxiliary cell having an auxiliary cell voltage.The auxiliary cell is electrically coupled to the indicator and thebattery such that when a difference between the battery voltage and theauxiliary cell voltage is less than the display threshold, the indicatoris inactive and when the difference between the battery voltage and theauxiliary cell voltage is greater than or about equal to the displaythreshold, the indicator is active.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments describedherein will be more fully understood in view of the following detaileddescription, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature andnot intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. Thefollowing detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can beunderstood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherelike structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a state of charge indicator for anenergy storage device according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 2 depicts an indicator circuit of FIG. 1 as an auxiliary referencesource according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 depicts the indicator circuit of FIG. 1 as a transistor drivercircuit according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of the transistor driver circuit accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts a ring indicator for the energy storage device accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 depicts a segmented strip according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 7 depicts a sandwich type indicator according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts a flat type indicator according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 9 depicts a voltage detector integrated circuit according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 10 depicts an open drain output type voltage detector integratedcircuit according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;and

FIG. 11 depicts a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) outputtype voltage detector integrated circuit according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A state of charge indicator coupled to a battery may be used todetermine the state of charge (e.g., the amount of energy or chargeremaining) of the battery. The state of charge indicator may havemultiple segments (e.g., one or more step indicators), much like a fuelbar gauge on a cell phone, to indicate fractions of charge remaining inthe battery. The one or more step indicators may indicate the state ofcharge of the battery by changing the color, by causing indicia toappear, or changing indicia on the label of the battery. The state ofcharge indicator does not require activation or actuation on the part ofa user, or user intervention to indicate the state of charge of thebattery. This may allow a user to determine the state of charge of abattery while the battery is still electrically connected to a device,such as a toy, without having to remove the battery and actuateindicator buttons.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a state of charge indicator 100 is shown. Thestate of charge indicator 100 may include an energy storage device 105electrically coupled to a step indicator 110. As used throughout, asingle step indicator 110 may be used or alternately, two or more stepindicators 110 a, 110 b, . . . 110 n may be used to indicate the stateof charge of the energy storage device 105. Any discussion relating tothe step indicator 110 may be applied to the two or more step indicators110 a, 110 b, . . . 110 n. The state of charge indicator 100 may be usedto indicate an energy level of the energy storage device 105. The stateof charge indicator 100 may indicate the energy level of the energystorage device 105 via an audible, a visible, a tactile, or apallesthesia indication. Pallesthesia is defined as the ability to sensea vibration. The indication of the energy level is discussed in greaterdetail below. The energy storage device 105 may be a battery, one ormore main cells, a capacitor, a bank of capacitors, or a fuel cell. Ifthe energy storage device is a battery, the battery may be a disposablebattery or a rechargeable battery. The battery may include one or moremain cells and be of any shape or size. For example, the battery may bean AAAA, AAA, AA, C, D, CR2, 123 A, or any other standard size. Thebattery may be substantially cylindrical or substantially rectangular.

The step indicator 110 may include a first lead 115 and a second lead120 that electrically couple the step indicator 110 to the energystorage device 105. The first lead 115 and the second lead 120 may becoupled to the energy storage device 105 by resistance welding, laserwelding, soldering, ink-jet printing or printed contact area pressedagainst the cell, e.g. by heat-shrinking or by conductive adhesive suchas, for example, a silver epoxy or by ultrasonic welding. The stepindicator 110 may comprise an indicator 125 and an indicator circuit130. The indicator 125 may be electrically coupled to the first lead 115and the indicator circuit 130. The indicator circuit 130 may beelectrically coupled to the indicator 125 and the second lead 120. Inone embodiment, the indicator 125 may provide a visual indication usinga light emitting diode (LED) circuit, a liquid-crystal display (LCD), anelectro-chromic display, a thermo-chromic display, an electro-wettingdisplay, an electrochemical display, a MEMS display, an electrophoreticdisplay (electronic paper), a structural color display, and/or anelectrostatic display. In another embodiment, the indicator 125 mayprovide an auditory indication using, for example, a piezo buzzer, anacoustic generator and speaker, a bell or other type of percussiondevice or instrument, a magnetic buzzer, or electromechanical buzzer. Inyet another embodiment, the indicator 125 may provide a tactileindication using, for example, a pop-up protrusion or a blister. Thetactile indicator may be flush to the surface of the indicator 125 in afirst state and protrude from the surface of the indicator 125 in asecond state. In another embodiment, the pallesthesia indication may bea mechanical or electromechanical means to provide the sense ofvibration such as, for example, an offset weight motor or apiezoelectric bender coupled to a haptic driver or controller. Thepallesthesia indication may induce a vibration in the deviceelectrically coupled to the energy storage device 105 such that thevibration signals to a user of the device the state of the charge of theenergy storage device 105 without requiring the user to open thecompartment the energy storage device 105 is housed in.

FIG. 1 depicts one step indicator 110 electrically coupled to the energystorage device 105. In another embodiment, one or more step indicators110, 110 a, 110 b . . . 110 n may be used to indicate one or more statesof charge (i.e., one or more energy levels) of the energy storage device105. The one or more step indicators 110, 110 a, 110 b . . . 110 n areelectrically coupled in parallel to the energy storage device 105 asshown with dashed lines in FIG. 1. The function of the one or more stepindicators 110, 110 a, 110 b . . . 110 n is discussed in greater detailbelow.

FIG. 2 depicts an auxiliary reference source 205 as the indicatorcircuit 130 shown in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, one or more stepindicators 110, 110 a, 110 b . . . 110 n may be used to indicate one ormore states of charge (i.e., one or more energy levels) of the energystorage device 105 with the auxiliary reference source 205 as theindicator circuit 130 shown in FIG. 1. The one or more step indicators110, 110 a, 110 b . . . 110 n are electrically coupled in parallel tothe energy storage device 105 as shown with dashed lines in FIG. Eachauxiliary reference source 205 in each step indicator of the one or morestep indicators 110, 110 a, 110 b . . . 110 n may have a uniqueauxiliary reference source voltage. Specifically, a first step indicator110 a may include a first indicator 125 a and a first auxiliaryreference source 205 a with a first auxiliary reference source voltage;a second step indicator 110 b may include a second indicator 125 b and asecond auxiliary reference source 205 b with a second auxiliaryreference source voltage; and so on until a last step indicator 110 bmay include a last indicator 125 b and a last auxiliary reference source205 b with a last auxiliary reference source voltage. The firstauxiliary reference source voltage may be different from the secondauxiliary reference source voltage, both of which are different from thelast auxiliary reference source voltage. The function of the one or morestep indicators 110, 110 a, 110 b . . . 110 n is discussed in greaterdetail below.

The polarity of the energy device 105 and the auxiliary reference sourcemay be inverse-proportional or reverse proportional to each other. Theterm “inverse-proportional” indicates that before the energy storagedevice 105 is connected to a load, the energy storage voltage and theauxiliary cell voltage are proportional to each other and have aninverse or reverse polarity orientation in relation to each other. Inother words, the negative ends of the main cell and auxiliary referencesource are electrically coupled, and the positive ends of the main celland auxiliary reference source are electrically coupled. In oneembodiment, if the energy storage device 105 is a main cell with a maincell voltage, the auxiliary reference source 205 would be an auxiliarycell with an auxiliary cell voltage such that the main cell voltage andthe auxiliary cell voltage are about equal and inverse-proportional toeach other. The indicator 125 may be electrically coupled on either thepositive side of the electrically coupled main cell and auxiliaryreference source or the negative side of the electrically coupled maincell and auxiliary reference source.

At the beginning of the life of the energy storage device 105, theelectrical potential between the main cell voltage and the auxiliarycell voltage would be about zero across the indicator 125. If theindicator 125 is an electro-chromic indicator, the near zero voltagepotential across the indicator 125 would not provide enough voltage toactivate or energize the electro-chromic display. Therefore, theindicator 125 would remain “off” until the display threshold is crossed.This would enable the short life span of the indicator 125 to beextended to the life of the energy storage device 105 and would allowthe indicator 125 to endure long storage times. As the main celldepletes its energy through a load 215, the difference in the electricalpotential between main cell and the auxiliary cell would increase. Inthis embodiment, the auxiliary reference source would remain at a fullcharge or about at full charge as the main cell depletes its energythrough the load. As the electrical potential difference increases, adisplay threshold would be crossed and the indicator 125 would beactivated or transitioned from an inactive state to an active state. Theindicator 125 may be subjected to the voltage difference between themain cell and the auxiliary reference cell. In other words, for theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, the difference in voltage, corresponding tothe remaining electrical energy, between the energy storage device 105and the auxiliary reference source 205 is used to power the indicator125.

FIG. 3 depicts a transistor driver circuit 300 as the indicator circuit130 shown in FIG. 1. The transistor driver circuit 300 may serve as anelectrical shunt to ensure that the indicator 125 remains electricallyisolated or in an unpowered state until such time as the indication isneeded. The transistor driver circuit 300 may include a voltage dividercircuit 303, a shunt transistor 305, a transition element 325, and apull-up resistor 310. The voltage divider circuit 303 may include afirst resistor 315 and a second resistor 320. The first resistor 315 iselectrically coupled in series with the transition element 325 and thetransition element 325 is electrically coupled in series with the secondresistor 320. The transition element 325 may not be required in allembodiments. Where required, the transition element 325 may be atransistor, a diode, or other semi-conductor device that exhibits abouta 0.6 V to about 0.7 V voltage drop across the transition element 325.

The voltage drop across the transition element 325 effectively sharpensthe voltage transition of the transistor driver circuit 300 and hence,sharpens the display threshold. In other words, the voltage transitionof the transistor driver circuit 300 is more predictable and repeatablewith the transition element 325. This translates to a more predictableand repeatable display threshold. It can also offset the trigger pointof the display threshold. In one embodiment, if a diode is used as thetransition element 325, an extremely low-signal silicon (Si) diode maybe chosen. Low signal Si diodes may have about a 0.6 V to about a 0.7 Vvoltage drop range with the normal current of the circuit in themilli-Amp (mA) range. If the normal operating current of the circuit isin the nano-Amp (nA) range, two Si diodes may be needed in series aseach diode would exhibit about a 0.4 V voltage drop. The seriescombination of two Si diodes when the circuit is operating in the nArange would equate to a total of about 0.8 V voltage drop.

The pull-up resistor 310 is electrically coupled to the indicator 125and the shunt transistor 305. In one embodiment of the transistor drivercircuit 300, the first resistor 315 may be between about 2 Mega-ohm(Mohm) and about 1 kilo-ohm (kohm). The second resistor 320 may bebetween about 2 Mohm and about 1 kohm. The pull-up resistor may bebetween about 2 Mohm and about 1 kohm. In one embodiment, the shunttransistor 305 is a transistor electrically coupled across the indicator125 and is electrically coupled to the transition element 325 and thesecond resistor 320. In another embodiment, the shunt transistor 305 maybe a switch. The switch may be any mechanical, electro-mechanical, orelectrical device that functions as a switch (i.e., makes or breakselectrical connections). The transistor driver circuit 300 may actuatethe switch based on display threshold defined by the parameters of thecircuit elements of the transistor driver circuit 300. For example, inone embodiment, the switch may be a relay. The transistor driver circuit300 may energize a coil in the relay to actuate the switch when thedisplay threshold is crossed.

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of the transistor driver circuit 300. Thefirst resistor 315, the second resistor 320, and the pull-up resistor310 may all be about 1 Mohm and the transition element 325 may be atransistor. The operation of the transistor driver circuit 300 isdiscussed in greater detail below.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a label 500 coupled to a housing 550 of an energystorage device 105. The label 500 includes a flexible substrate 505, thestate of charge indicator 100, and indicia 510. The first lead 115 andthe second lead 120 electrically couple the state of charge indicator100 to the energy storage device when the flexible substrate 505 issecured to the energy storage device. The indicia 510 may include wordsand/or symbols to convey information to a user. The flexible substrate505 may be a single-sided printed circuit board (PCB), a double-sidedPCB, a multi-layered PCB, a protective layer, a shrinkable material, aflexible circuit board (FCB), a single sided FCB, a double sided FCB, amulti-layer FCB, a laminated foil, and/or any combination thereof. Theflexible substrate 505 may include mounting tabs (not shown) or otherstructure to secure the flexible substrate 505 to an energy storagedevice (not shown). In one embodiment, the flexible substrate 505 may besecured or formed to the external shape of a battery by an adhesive or afriction fit. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the flexiblesubstrate 505 may be a shrinkable material that is placed over theenergy storage device and thermally activated to shrink to secure theflexible substrate 505 to conform to the shape of the energy storagedevice. In yet another embodiment, the flexible substrate 505 mayconsist of a curable material that is either chemical or light activatedto cure and secure to the flexible substrate 505 to the energy storagedevice.

The components of the state of charge indicator 100 may be printed on orsecured to the flexible substrate 505. For example, the auxiliaryreference source 205 shown in FIG. 2 may be external to the energystorage device 105 and printed or mounted to the flexible substrate 505.In another embodiment, the auxiliary reference source 205 may beinternal or within the housing of the energy storage device 105. In thisembodiment, the auxiliary reference source 205 would have one commonelectrode with the energy storage device 105 and a second, non-commonelectrode that would be electrically isolated from the energy storagedevice 105. In other words, there may be a common anode and a firstcathode of the auxiliary reference source 205 and a second cathode ofthe energy storage device 105. The first cathode and the second cathodewould be electrically isolated from each other so that their respectiveenergy and resulting voltage does not equalize as the energy storagedevice 105 is discharged. The resulting voltage and equalization refersto the display voltage described in greater detail below. The auxiliaryreference source 205 may reside in a separate sealed compartment withinthe housing or “can” (referring to a cylindrical shape of the housing)of the energy storage device 105. The indicator 125 may be electricallycoupled between the first cathode and the second cathode and coupled tothe external portion of the housing. This embodiment may allow for theuse of common parts between the auxiliary reference source 205 and theenergy storage device 105.

The indicator 125 (FIG. 1) may be used to provide a visual display ofthe state of charge or energy level (e.g., an amount of power, voltage,or current) of the energy storage device 105 (FIG. 1). The visualdisplay may be in the form of a solid bar, a graduated bar, a graduatedpie chart, a numerical display, a color-changing indicator, a segmentedstrip, and/or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, referring to FIG.5, a ring indicator 525 may be wound around the housing 550 such that auser may discern the state of charge of the energy storage device whileit is still electrically connected to a device, such as a toy, withouthaving to remove the energy storage device. For example, a user may opena battery compartment on a device and discern the state of the charge ofthe battery without the need to actuate any buttons or other actions,including but not limited to rotating the battery to read the indicator.The ring indicator 525 is shown in FIG. 5 near one end of the label 500;however, it should be understood that the ring indicator may bepositioned anywhere on the label 500.

In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, the segmented strip 520 maybe configured to indicate various states of charge (e.g., level ofenergy, threshold of energy, or amount of energy) of the energy storagedevice 105. For example, the segmented strip 520 may allow for themonitoring of the state of charge (i.e., remaining energy or power) ofthe energy storage device 105 as the energy storage device 105 isdepleted. The segments of the segmented strip 520 may be activatedsequentially or cumulatively by separate electronic circuitry to providethe desired battery status information to a user. Furthermore, thesegments of the segmented strip 520 may be activated from left to right,from right to left, from a center of the segmented strip 520 to bothends, or from both ends to the center. In one embodiment, and referringto FIG. 1, the segments of the state of charge indicator 100 may be 110,110 a, 110 b . . . 110 n and electrically coupled to the energy storagedevice via the first lead 115 and the second lead 120. FIG. 6illustrates four step indicators 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d of theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, however, it should be understood that theembodiment shown in FIG. 6 is not limited to only four step indicators110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d.

As explained above, the one or more step indicators 110 a, 110 b, 110 c,and 110 d may be used to indicate one or more states of charge (i.e.,one or more energy levels) of the energy storage device 105. In otherwords, each step indicator 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d is configuredto indicate when a display threshold of the energy storage device 105 isreached. For example, a state of charge indicator 100 may include afirst step indicator 110 a with a first display threshold correspondingto a first energy level of the energy storage device 105 and a secondstep indicator 110 b with a second display threshold corresponding to asecond energy level of the energy storage device 105. If the firstdisplay threshold is set at about 1.5 V and the second display thresholdis set at about 1.2 V, the first step indicator 110 a will provide anindication when the energy level of the energy storage device 105reaches an energy level corresponding to about 1.5 V and the second stepindicator 110 b will provide an indication when the energy level of theenergy storage device 105 reaches an energy level corresponding to about1.2 V. Therefore, each step indicator of the one or more step indicators110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d corresponds to a specific energy level ofthe energy storage device 105 and provides an indication when thatenergy level is detected or sensed by each step indicator of the one ormore step indicators 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d.

The segmented strip 520 may therefore indicate a full colored (e.g.,yellow) bar across about the full length of the segmented strip 520 whenthe energy storage device 105 is new. As the energy of the energystorage device 105 is depleted and the display threshold of theindividual step indicators 110 is crossed, each step indicator willtransition from the inactive to the active state. Therefore, thesegmented strip 520 will indicate the state of charge of the batterybased on how many of the step indicators (e.g., 110 a, 110 b, 110 c,and/or 110 d) indicate the background color. Each step indicator 110,110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and/or 110 d may be indicative of a fraction of theenergy remaining in the energy storage device 105. It should beunderstood that the segmented strip 520 is not limited to a color, forexample yellow and depending on how many increments of a fraction aredesired, the one or more step indicators 110, 110 a, 110 b, . . . 110 nof FIG. 1 may be used.

For example, referring to the four step indicators 110 a, 110 b, 110 c,and 110 d of the segmented strip 520 of FIG. 6, when all four stepindicators are inactive, four colored backgrounds are shown and may beindicative of about 100% charge or about 100% energy level of the energystorage device 105 remaining. As the energy of the energy storage device105 is depleted, and more step indicators (e.g., 110 a, 110 b, 110 c,and/or 110 d) become active, the fraction indication will change. Oneactive and three inactive step indicators (e.g., 110 a, 110 b, 110 c,and/or 110 d) may be indicative of about 75% energy level of the energystorage device 105 remaining. Two active and two inactive stepindicators (e.g., 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and/or 110 d) may be indicativeof about 50% energy level of the energy storage device 105 remaining.Three active and one inactive step indicators (e.g., 110 a, 110 b, 110c, and/or 110 d) may be indicative of about 25% energy level of theenergy storage device 105 remaining. All four active step indicators(e.g., 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d) may be indicative of the energystorage device 105 in need of replacement.

Still referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the segmented strip 520may have two step indicators with a first step indicator 110 a and asecond step indicator 110 b. The first step indicator 110 a and thesecond step indicator 110 b may be electrically coupled to the energystorage device 105 in parallel. With reference to the structureillustrated by FIG. 1, the first step indicator 110 a may include afirst indicator 125 a and a first indicator circuit 130 a. The firstindicator circuit 130 a may define a first driver voltage and a firstdisplay threshold. The second step indicator 110 b may include a secondindicator 125 b and a second indicator circuit 130 b. The secondindicator circuit 130 b may define a second driver voltage and a seconddisplay threshold. The first display threshold may not equal the seconddisplay threshold. For example, the first display threshold may begreater than the second display threshold. The first step indicator 110a and the second step indicator 110 b may be indicative of a fraction ofa fully charged energy storage device 105 voltage value.

Referring to the first step indicator 110 a, when the energy storagedevice 105 voltage is greater than the first display threshold, thefirst indicator circuit 130 a applies the first driver voltage to thefirst indicator 125 a such that the first indicator 125 a is inactive.In addition, when the energy storage device 105 voltage is less than thefirst display threshold, the first indicator circuit 130 a applies thefirst driver voltage to the first indicator 125 a such that the firstindicator 125 a is active.

Referring to the second step indicator 110 b, when the energy storagedevice 105 voltage is greater than the second display threshold, thesecond indicator circuit 130 b applies the second driver voltage to thesecond indicator 125 b such that the second indicator 125 b is inactive.Also, when the energy storage device 105 voltage is less than the seconddisplay threshold, the second indicator circuit 130 b applies the seconddriver voltage to the second indicator 125 b such that the secondindicator 125 b is active.

It should be understood that the step indicator 110 as shown in FIGS. 2,3, and 4 may also be one or more step indicators as described above andshown in FIGS. 1 and 6.

Referring now to the indicator 125 as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, theindicator 125 may be transmissive to light (e.g., transparent, clear, orsee through) when it is inactive and colored (e.g., opaque, black, orblue) when active. Inactive is defined as when the indicator 125 is notpowered or not energized, or minimally powered or minimally energizedbelow an activation voltage such that the indicator 125 remainstransmissive to light. In other words, the indicator 125 is in anoxidation state and electrically is in an open circuit state.Transmissive to light is defined as the ability of light to travelthrough the indicator 125 and to illuminate a colored background beneaththe indicator 125 or the ability of a user to interpret the color of thecolor background beneath the indicator 125. Active is defined as beingpowered or energized above an activation voltage, e.g. which drives anelectro-chromic indicator electrode from the oxidized state to a reducedstate such that the indicator 125 becomes substantially opaque. Opaquemeans the indicator 125 does not allow light to travel through theindicator 125 (i.e., light cannot illuminate a colored backgroundbeneath the indicator 125) or does not allow a user to interpret thecolor of the colored background beneath the indicator 125. In otherwords, in the active state, the colored background is not visiblethrough the indicator 125. The indicator will reflect light of aspecific bandwidth where the specific bandwidth is chosen by thechemical composition of the indicator 125 as further explained below.The indicator 125 changes states or transitions between the transmissivestate (i.e., inactive state) to the colored state (i.e., active state)depending on the electrical potential applied across the indicator 125.

Furthermore, when the indicator 125 fails, it fails in the active stateand is substantially opaque. The failure of the indicator 125 means thatthe operating life of the indicator is over and the indicator 125 islocked in the active state regardless of the driver voltage. Detailedworkings of the indicator 125 are described below.

In one embodiment, the colored background may be a substrate that iscoupled to the indicator 125. In another embodiment, the coloredbackground may be sandwiched between the indicator 125 and the flexiblesubstrate 505 of FIGS. 5 and 6. Alternatively, in yet anotherembodiment, the colored background may be printed directly on theindicator 125 or on the flexible substrate 505. In both embodiments, thecolored background may be fully covered by the indicator 125 or at leastpartially covered by the indicator 125. The colored background may be ofany color. In some embodiments, the colored background is a color thatcontrasts with the active state of the indicator 125. For example, thecolored background may be orange or yellow which will contrast with theblack or blue color of an active state indicator 125. Furthermore, thecontrast between the active state and the inactive state may be a shinybackground and a dull active state or vice versus.

In some embodiments, the inactive state of the indicator 125 may not betransmissive to light (i.e., clear) but may transition from one color toanother as the indicator transitions from the inactive state to theactive state. In this embodiment, a background color is not neededbecause the indicator 125 provides both the active color and theinactive color. In all embodiments, the transition from the inactivestate to the active state is perceived by a user.

Referring to FIG. 7, a sandwich type indicator 675 is shown. Thesandwich type indicator 675 illustrates one type of structure of theindicator 125 described above. The sandwich type indicator 675 is anelectro-chromic display and may use electro-chromic technology based onthe migration of color-bearing particles under the influence of anelectrical potential 670, sometimes referred to as a chromophoric[electrophoretic] system or chromophoretic system. The electricalpotential 670 may be the electrical motive force applied to the sandwichtype indicator 675 from the energy storage device 105 of FIGS. 1 and 2,from the auxiliary reference source 205, or the combination of the two.The electrical potential 670 is applied to a top electrode 680 and abottom electrode 685 which are arranged opposite to each other. The topelectrode 680 and the bottom electrode 685 may be made from indium tinoxide, aluminum, copper, or carbon. A working electrode 690 is formed bythe electro-chromic ink 693. A plurality of chromophoric particles 695move through a separation layer 697 when the electrical potential 670 isapplied. As the plurality of chromophoric particles 695 accumulate nearthe top electrode 680, a color change may become visible in theindicator 125. The plurality of chromophoric particles 695 may return tothe bottom electrode 685 when the electrical potential 670 is removedfrom the top electrode 680 and the bottom electrode 685. The separationlayer 697 may include a reflective layer of ion permeable particles thatreflect white light. A top substrate 660 and a bottom substrate 665provide structural support for the indicator 125 and may be clear (i.e.,allow all visible wavelengths to pass through the substrate) or they maybe opaque. In one embodiment, the top substrate 660 is clear to allowthe accumulation of the plurality of chromophoric particles 695 to bevisible at the top electrode 680.

In yet another embodiment of the indicator 125, an activated polymer maybe used as a modulation mechanism. As the modulated mechanism, theactivated polymer may have a reduced state and an oxidized state. Theactivated polymer may be PEDOT:PSS (i.e.,poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate)) and may darkenwhen the electrical potential 670 is applied to the indicator 125 todrive it from its oxidized state to its reduced state. In the reducedstate, the activated polymer absorbs mainly the red to yellow part ofthe electromagnetic spectrum, giving the active polymer a strong bluecolor. In the oxidized state, the activated polymer turns almosttransparent with a weak sky-bluish line of color. PSS appears completelytransparent at visible light wavelengths.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flat type indicator 765 is shown. The flattype indicator 765 illustrates one type of structure of the indicator125 described above. The flat type indicator 765 is an electro-chromicdisplay and may use electro-chromic technology based on the migration ofcolor-bearing particles under the influence of an electrical potential670, sometimes referred to as a chromophoric [electrophoretic] system orchromophoretic system. In this embodiment, instead of a layeredstructure of the sandwich type indicator 675 of FIG. 7, the indicatorcomponents are laid out on a common substrate 750. Still referring toFIG. 8, the common substrate 750 may be a paper product, a plasticproduct, a glass product, or a metal product. A first electrode 755 anda second electrode 760 are electrically coupled to the electricalpotential 670. The first electrode 755 and the second electrode 760 maybe made from indium tin oxide, aluminum, copper, carbon, or othersuitable conductive material. The PEDOT:PSS is distributed between afirst strip 770 electrically coupled to the first electrode 755 and asecond strip 775 electrically coupled to the second electrode 760. Asolid electrolyte 780 permits ionic conduction between 670 and thesecond strip 775 while preventing electronic conduction between thefirst electrode 755 and the second electrode 760. As the electricalpotential 670 is applied between the first electrode 755 and the secondelectrode 760, the PEDOT:PSS will oxidize, or change from the reducedstate to the oxidized state, and reduce to visibly darken in color. Theoxidized state corresponds to the transmissive state and the reducedstate corresponds to the colored state as explained above. Examples ofother electro-chromic materials which are also suitable may includePrussian blue, tungsten oxides, nickel oxides, and organic materialsthat have been developed specifically for electro-chromic displays.

The sandwich type indicator 675 or the flat type indicator 765 of FIGS.6 and 7 respectively, may indicate the state of charge of the energystorage device 105 of FIG. 1 through the electrical potential 670applied across the sandwich type indicator 675 or the flat typeindicator 765. In other words, the amount of accumulation ofchromophoric particles 695 and/or the amount of oxidation/reduction ofthe PEDOT:PSS is dependent upon the magnitude of the electricalpotential 670 applied between the two electrodes (top electrode680/bottom electrode 685 of FIG. 7 or first electrode 755/secondelectrode 760 of FIG. 8). The sandwich type indicator 675 or the flattype indicator 765 may electrically exhibit a very high (large value)impedance and act as a capacitor in an electric circuit.

Referring now to the indicator circuit 130 of FIG. 1, the indicatorcircuit 130 is configured to provide a driver voltage to the indicator125. The driver voltage controls the indicator 125 to indicate when thestate of charge (i.e., energy level) of the energy storage device 105reaches a display threshold. In other words, the driver voltage drivesor transitions the indicator 125 from the inactive state to the activestate. The display threshold is a threshold that is set by the indicatorcircuit 130 and dictates when the energy storage device 105 energy isdepleted to the point that the indicator 125 should be transitioned fromthe inactive state to the active state. When the energy of the energystorage device 105 is above or about equal to the display threshold, thedriver voltage is applied to the indicator 125 such that the indicator125 is inactive. When the energy of the energy storage device 210 isbelow or about equal to the display threshold, the driver voltage isapplied to the indicator 125 such that the indicator 125 is active. Thedisplay threshold is representative of a voltage value.

As an example, in one embodiment, the energy storage device 105 may be amain cell or battery with a main cell voltage and the indicator 125 maybe an electro-chromic display. When the main cell voltage is greaterthan or about equal to a display threshold, the indicator circuit 130applies a driver voltage to the indicator such that the electro-chromicdisplay is inactive and when the main cell voltage is less than or aboutequal to the display threshold, the indicator circuit 130 applies thedriver voltage to the electro-chromic display such that theelectro-chromic display is active. Examples of how the indicator circuit130 accomplishes the application of the driver voltage and determiningthe display threshold are described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the step indicator 110 may beconfigured to detect a battery voltage (e.g., state of charge) of abattery and indicate when the battery is depleted of energy. In thisembodiment, the energy storage device 105 is a battery with a batteryvoltage. The auxiliary reference source 205 may be an auxiliary cell(e.g., a second battery) with an auxiliary cell voltage, where thevoltage difference between the auxiliary cell voltage and the batteryvoltage is inverse-proportional to the battery voltage. The indicator125 may be an electro-chromic display. The electro-chromic display mayhave an activation voltage of between about 0.2 volts (V) to about 0.9 Vwhich is set by the electro-chemical system and structure make-up of theelectro-chromic display. That activation voltage may be changed as thecharacteristics, i.e. chemical and structure make-up, of theelectro-chromic display are changed. The activation voltage correspondsto the display threshold. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7 for examples ofdiffering structural make-ups of the electro-chromic display. The drivervoltage is defined in this embodiment as the auxiliary cell voltageminus the battery voltage. At the beginning of the battery's life, thedriver voltage across the indicator 125 is about equal to zero. As thebattery voltage is depleted, the voltage difference (i.e., drivervoltage) between the battery and the auxiliary battery increases. Whenthe driver voltage is about equal to the display threshold, the displaythreshold is crossed and the electro-chromic display changes from theinactive state (i.e., transmissive) to the active state (i.e., colored).In other words, when the driver voltage is less than about the displaythreshold, the driver voltage applied to the indicator 125 does notactivate the indicator 125 and thus the indicator 125 is inactive. Whenthe driver voltage is about equal to or greater than about the displaythreshold, the driver voltage is applied to the indicator 125 whichactivates the indicator 125.

For example, if the battery is an alkaline battery with about 1.62 Vstarting voltage, when the battery voltage has depleted to a displaythreshold (e.g., about 1.2 V), the driver voltage of about 0.4 V willenergize and drive the electro-chromic display with an activationvoltage of, e.g., about 0.4 V, to change states and indicate that thedisplay threshold has been crossed. For clarification, the about 1.2 Vdisplay threshold comes from the about 1.62 V auxiliary cell voltage(equals the starting voltage of the battery) minus the about 0.4 Vactivation voltage of the electro-chromic display. At the start of thebattery's life, the auxiliary cell voltage (about 1.62 V) would aboutequal the alkaline battery voltage and the driver voltage applied to theelectro-chromic display would be about zero. As the alkaline batteryvoltage decreases, the driver voltage applied by the indicator circuit130 would not activate the electro-chromic display as long as thebattery voltage remains above the about 1.2 V display threshold. By wayof another example, if the battery voltage is about 1.4 V, the drivervoltage is about 0.22 V and does not activate the electro-chromicdisplay. If the battery voltage is about 1.32 V, the driver voltageapplied to the electro-chromic display is about 0.3 V which is notgreater than the about 0.4 V activation voltage or below the about 1.2 Vdisplay threshold. Therefore, the driver voltage applied to theelectro-chromic display does not activate the electro-chromic display.As soon as the battery voltage drops below about 1.2 V, the drivervoltage applied by the indicator circuit 130 would activate theelectro-chromic display. It should be noted that the electro-chromicindicator threshold is “soft” and there is somewhat gradual transitionwithin voltage range, e.g. from about 0.4V (beginning of color change)to about 0.8V for full color intensity.

Other examples of the display threshold include about 2.5 V for LithiumManganese Dioxide (Li—MnO2), about 1.4 V for Lithium Iron Disulfide(Li—FeS2), and about 1.4 V for Silver Oxide Button cells.

There are several methods and configurations of the step indicator 110to set the display threshold. In one embodiment, the electricalcharacteristics of the indicator 125 may be changed to dictate differentactivation voltages. In another embodiment, and referring to FIG. 2, thevoltage of the auxiliary reference source may be changed to dictate adifferent display threshold. In the above example with the alkalinebattery of about 1.62 V, by changing the auxiliary reference sourcevoltage, the display threshold changes or more specifically, thedifference in the main cell voltage and the auxiliary cell voltage maybe increased or decreased based on the auxiliary cell voltage. If, forexample, the auxiliary reference source voltage is greater than the maincell voltage, the difference in voltage is greater and therefore thedriver voltage is capable of driving an indicator 125 with a greaterdisplay threshold, e.g. about 1 V or greater.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the transistor driver circuit 300 mayalso apply a driver voltage to the indicator 125 to dictate whether theindicator 125 is either active or inactive. In this embodiment, theindicator 125 does not experience a variable difference in potentialacross it as the energy storage device 105 is depleted of energy aswould happen in the embodiment of FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the drivervoltage is about zero across the indicator 125 until the displaythreshold is crossed. When the display threshold is crossed, the shunttransistor 305 turns off and the indicator 125 is energized.

The display threshold is set by the voltage divider circuit 303. As usedthroughout, the voltage divider circuit 303 may or may not include thetransition element 325. In this embodiment, the display threshold may beabout 0.6 V to about 0.7 V. Alternatively, the display threshold may beabout the turn on voltage required by the shunt transistor 305. The turnon voltage of the shunt transistor 305 is dictated by the structure ofthe transistor and is the voltage required at the base of the shunttransistor 305 to conduct current between its collector and emitter. Theturn on voltage of the shunt transistor 305 is defined through thevoltage at the base of the shunt transistor 305 via the combination ofthe first resistor 315 and the second resistor 320 and, in someembodiments, the use of the transition element 325 in combination withthe voltage divider circuit 303. In other words, the voltage dividercircuit 303 is configured to turn the shunt transistor 305 on until thedisplay threshold is crossed. The transition element 325 removes part ofthe excessive voltage difference between the energy storage device 105voltage and the shunt transistor 305 bias voltage and effectivelysharpens the switching transition.

In one embodiment, the indicator activation threshold may be configuredto be about 0.4 V. For low-battery warning for alkaline cells thedisplay threshold may be about 1.2 V. This can be adjusted by theresistor value of the second resistor 320. As a working example, to setthe display threshold at about 1.15 V of the energy storage device, thefirst resistor 315 is valued at about 1 Mohm and the second resistor 320is valued at about 1.8 Mohm. When the voltage of the energy storagedevice is at about 1.5 V, the voltage across the indicator 125 (acrossemitter and collector of the shunt transistor) is about 0.45 V. Asanother working example, to set the display threshold at about 1.3 V ofthe energy storage device, the first resistor 315 is valued at about 1Mohm and the second resistor 320 is valued at about 1.2 Mohm. When thevoltage of the energy storage device is at about 1.5 V, the voltageacross the indicator 125 (across emitter and collector of the shunttransistor) is about 0.45 V. As yet another working example, to set thedisplay threshold at about 1.45 V of the energy storage device, thefirst resistor 315 is valued at about 1 Mohm and the second resistor 320is valued at about 905 kohm. When the voltage of the energy storagedevice is at about 1.5 V, the voltage across the indicator 125 (acrossemitter and collector of the shunt transistor) is about 0.45 V.

As described above, the shunt transistor 305 shunts the indicator 125until the display threshold has been crossed. When the energy of theenergy storage device 105 is above or about equal to the displaythreshold, the driver voltage is applied to the indicator 125 such thatthe indicator 125 is inactive. When the energy of the energy storagedevice 210 is below or about equal to the display threshold, the displayvoltage is applied to the indicator 125 such that the indicator 125 isactive. In other words, when the shunt transistor 305 turns off, i.e.when the energy of the energy storage device 105 falls below the displaythreshold set by the voltage divider circuit, the indicator 125 becomesactive through power provided by the pull-up resistor 310.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the indicator circuit 130 of FIG. 1 may be avoltage detector integrated circuit 800. The voltage detector integratedcircuit 800 may include a supply input 805, a ground connection 810, anda voltage output 815. The voltage detector integrated circuit 800 mayoperate by detecting when the energy or energy storage voltage of theenergy storage device 105 drops below the display threshold for a periodof detection time. When the period of detection time is exceeded, thevoltage detector integrated circuit 800 will either transition thevoltage output 815 from about a zero voltage to about the energy storagevoltage of the energy storage device 105 or transition the voltageoutput 815 from about the energy storage voltage of the energy storagedevice 105 to about zero voltage. Both transitions are explained ingreater detail below in relation to FIGS. 10 and 11. The voltagedetector integrated circuit 800 may be designed to detect the energystorage voltage between about 0.9 V and about 4.8 V.

The voltage detector integrated circuit 800 provides a sharp transitionbetween applying the driver voltage such that the indicator 125 isinactive and applying the driver voltage such that the indicator 125 isactive.

The period of detection time is a quantity of time in which the detectedenergy storage voltage must be maintained to have crossed the displaythreshold before the voltage detector integrated circuit 800 transitionsthe voltage output 815. In other words, the quantity of time is reset tozero every time the display threshold is crossed. In order for theperiod of detection time to be satisfied, the quantity of time betweendisplay threshold crossings must exceed the period of detection time.This may allow for short periods of time where the load 215 has agreater demand for energy from the energy storage device 105. The energystorage device 105 may recover from the short period of great loaddemand and not exceed or cross the display threshold when the greaterdemand for energy event is over. In other words, the energy storagedevice may not be depleted enough for an accurate state of chargedetermination to be indicated by the indicator 125. The voltage detectorintegrated circuit 800 may be designed to not transition the voltageoutput 815 within a hysteresis window defined by the period of detectiontime. The hysteresis window may allow the voltage detector integratedcircuit 800 to not fluctuate the voltage output 815 during periods ofnoise if, for example, the load 215 does a lot of high frequencyswitching or if the load is a short duration, heavy current draw loadsuch as a flash device for a camera. In other words, the hysteresiswindow allows for the energy storage voltage to cross the displaythreshold multiple times during the period of detection time without thevoltage detector integrated circuit 800 applying the driver voltage toactivate the indicator 125.

In some embodiments, the combination of a slow-response time of theindicator 125 to transition from the inactive to the active state andthe hysteresis window increases the length of time of the period ofdetection time. The slow-response time may be on the order of about afew minutes to about a few hours. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 above, theslow-response time may be tailored through the combination of the chosenmaterial, surface area of the two electrodes, the conductivity of theelectrolyte, and the structural layout of the indicator 125. An exampleof the slow-response time is discussed in greater detail below inrelation to the chemistry and structure make-up of the indicator 125 asa one-shot type indicator. It should be understood that the indicator125 is not limited to the function of the one-shot type indicator (i.e.,chemistry and structure) to have a slow-response time.

Referring to FIG. 10, an open drain output type voltage detectorintegrated circuit 820 is shown. The indicator 125 is electricallycoupled between the supply input 805 and the voltage output 815. Whenthe energy storage voltage reaches the display threshold, the voltageoutput 815 transitions from the energy storage voltage to about zero V.The transition applies the driver voltage to the indicator 125 whichactivates it. In another embodiment, a bleed resistor 825 may beelectrically coupled in parallel with the indicator 125 to prevent orreduce the likelihood of a leakage current flowing through the indicator125 and activating it prematurely, i.e. before the display threshold iscrossed. An example of the open drain output type voltage detectorintegrated circuit 820 is the ROHM low voltage standard CMOS voltagedetector integrated circuit, model number BU48xx series. A specificexample is the BU4812.

The open drain output type voltage detector integrated circuit 820 maybe coupled to the housing of a battery, placed on or incorporated withina label on the battery, or situated in a recess area of the batteryhousing sized to accommodate the dimensions of the open drain outputtype voltage detector integrated circuit 820. The recessed area on thebattery housing may be a groove around the terminals of the battery. Inanother embodiment, the recessed area may be located anywhere on thebattery housing. For example, the recessed groove may be located ateither terminal of the battery or the recessed groove may be located ina spiraling groove in the battery housing between both terminals of thebattery.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a CMOS output type voltage detector integratedcircuit 830. The indicator 125 in this embodiment is electricallycoupled between the voltage output 815 and the positive battery terminalconnection 805. When the energy storage voltage reaches the displaythreshold, the voltage output 815 transitions from about zero V to aboutthe energy storage voltage. The transition of the voltage output 815applies the driver voltage to the indicator 125 which activates it. Anexample of the CMOS output type voltage detector integrated circuit 830is the ROHM low voltage standard CMOS voltage detector integratedcircuit, model number BU49xx series. A specific example is the BU4912.In another embodiment, the voltage detector integrated circuit 800 maybe a reverse logic circuit. In this embodiment, the electricalconnections may be reversed to accommodate the reverse logic circuit.

The CMOS output type voltage detector integrated circuit 830 may becoupled to the housing of a battery, placed on or incorporated within alabel on the battery, or situated in a recess area of the batteryhousing sized to accommodate the dimensions of the CMOS output typevoltage detector integrated circuit 830. The recessed area on thebattery housing may be a groove around the terminals of the battery. Inanother embodiment, the recessed area may be located anywhere on thebattery housing. For example, the recessed groove may be located ateither terminal of the battery or the recessed groove may be located ina spiraling groove in the battery housing between both terminals of thebattery.

The indicator 125 may have a limited service life once activated. Theindicator circuit 130 may allow the indicator 125 to remain on standbyor in an inactive state and preserve its service life until needed toindicate the state of charge of the energy storage device 105. In otherwords, the indicator 125 may still be able to indicate the state ofcharge of the energy storage device 105 after long periods of storage ornon-use. Furthermore, the indicator circuit 130 may not allow theindicator 125 to drain energy from the energy storage device during longperiods of storage or non-use. In some embodiments, the indicatorcircuit 130 may allow for only a single activation of the indicator 125.In other words, when the display threshold is crossed, the indicatorcircuit 130 activates the indicator 125 and it remains active regardlessof any further changes in the state of charge (i.e., crossings of thedisplay threshold) of the energy storage device 105. For example, thedisplay threshold may be set at about 1.2 V and a battery may be loadedto the point where the battery voltage drops below 1.2 V. As such, theindicator circuit applies the driver voltage to active the indicator125. If the load is removed from the battery and the battery voltagerelaxes to above 1.2 V, the indicator circuit 130 will not de-active theindicator 125 until the hysteresis reset voltage is reached (around 50mV on top of the voltage threshold).

A “one-shot’ type of indicator may be used in order to lock theindication of the crossing of the display threshold. The one-shot typeindicator may have a chemical composition and structure that defines avery short activated life of the one-shot indicator. For example, theone-shot type indicator may only last from about an hour to about aweek. At the end of life, the one-shot type indicator may remain (i.e.,locked) in its reduced or colored state and continue to display thelow-battery message even after the battery discharges beyond the minimumvoltage to power the one-shot indicator. When the indicator 125 islocked in its reduced or colored state, the state of charge indicator100 of FIG. 1 will indicate a discharged energy storage device 105regardless of how much the energy storage voltage is discharged, e.g.zero V. In one embodiment, the indicator 125 may be a one-shot typeindicator by only having a limited quantity of active material that getsused within a predetermined activated time. The active material may bethe PEDOT:PSS.

In another embodiment, the indicator 125 of FIG. 1 may be a one-shottype indicator that is a fuse placed on a thermo-chromic paper. Thethermo-chromic paper may provide for clear visibility of the fuse by auser. The fuse may be a resistive wire woven into the thermo-chromicpaper or a printed conductor applied to the thermo-chromic paper. Theprinted conductor embodiment may include a printed thickness and aprinted width to define a fuse current in which the fuse would discoloror burn the thermo-chromic paper. The fuse may be incorporated in thelabel of the battery and display a dash after burn-in or activation ofthe fuse, thereby transitioning a letter “F” representing a full batteryto a letter “E” representing a discharged battery. In other words, whenthe display threshold is crossed, a fuse current is applied to the fuse.The fuse current creates heat which discolors or applies burn marks tothe thermo-chromic paper at the lowest portion of the “F” to transitionthe “F” to an “E.” In another embodiment, the fuse may display a symbolor message instead of a dash.

Thermo-chromic paper may be a paper product coated with a solid-statemixture comprising a dye and a suitable matrix. When the matrix isheated above a melting point, the dye reacts with an acid on thethermo-chromic paper and shifts to a colored form (e.g., discolor fromthe color of the paper product). When the heat is removed, the matrixcools and solidifies to retain the colored form. Examples ofthermo-chromic paper include fax paper, or a thermo-chromic indicator.Thermo-chromic paper may also include a paper product that discolors orburns when exposed to heat. In one embodiment, the fuse is coupled tothe CMOS output type voltage detector integrated circuit 830 of FIG. 11as the indicator 125. When the display threshold is crossed, the CMOSoutput type voltage detector integrated circuit 830 will apply thedriver voltage to the fuse. The fuse will load the energy storage device105 and “lock” the voltage to stay powered. The fuse is configured totransition from a close-circuit state to an open-circuit state (i.e.,melt or destroy the fuse) within a burn time defined by thecharacteristics of the fuse. While the fuse is powered, it will createheat that will discolor, burn-in, or change the color form of thethermo-chromic paper, film and/or coating. Characteristics of the fuseinclude the dimensions of the conductor (i.e., the printed thickness andthe printed width in the case of the printed conductor) and the type ofmaterial the fuse is made from. The burn-time may vary and may dependupon the quantity of the fuse current applied to the fuse. The burn-timemust be less than the time to transition from the closed-circuit stateto the open-circuit state. An example is a burn time of less than asecond at a fuse current of about 60 mA.

In another embodiment, the indicator circuit 130 may allow for multipleactivations of the indicator 125. In other words, the driver voltage isapplied to the indicator 125 based on whether the energy storage devicevoltage is below the display threshold or not. If it is, the drivervoltage is applied. If not, the driver voltage is not applied.

In all embodiments, the electrically coupling of the components of thestate of charge indicator 100 may be done by conductive glue, soldering,welding, mechanical fastener such as a compression clamp or rivet, orthrough overlapping printing of the components to form electricallyconductive bridges between printings. Conductive glue may be used tominimize resistance between connection points within the state of chargeindicator 100. Furthermore, the first lead 115 and the second lead 120and any other circuit traces shown in the figures are generally shownand are not representative of all the circuit traces required.

The steps of indicating when a main cell may need replacing may includedetecting a main cell voltage of a main cell with at least one stepindicator, applying a driver voltage with the indicator circuit to theindicator such that the indicator is inactive when the main cell voltageis greater than a display threshold, and applying the driver voltagewith the indicator circuit to the indicator such that the indicator isactive when the main cell voltage is less than the display threshold.The method of indicating may further include coloring a coloredbackground that is at least partially covered by the indicator. The stepof applying the driver voltage to the indicator may include shunting theindicator when the main cell voltage is greater than the displaythreshold such that the indicator is inactive and deactivating the shunttransistor across the indicator when the main cell voltage is less thanthe display threshold such that the indicator is active. The method ofindicating may further include biasing the indicator with the auxiliarycell voltage when the main cell voltage is greater than the displaythreshold such that the indicator is inactive. The step indicator may beformed on the label, coupled to the label, or both and the last step maybe applying the label formed around the main cell.

The state of charge indicator may be used to provide a visual indicationof the amount of energy or charge remaining in a battery. The state ofcharge indicator is configured to endure long period of non-use orstorage and to use an electro-chromic display only when it is needed.This ensures that the state of charge indicator is available for usedespite the short service life of the electro-chromic display. The userwill not need to actuate any contacts to energize the state of chargeindicator, take any steps to activate the state of charge indicator, orintervene with the state of charge indicator for the display of thestate of the charge of the battery. Standby periods can extend formultiple years. For example, the indicator may remain in an inactivestate for up to about 5 years and even up to about 10 years and stillfunction appropriately when the display threshold is crossed. Onceactivated, the indicator will ideally “freeze’ in about 3 hours to about4 hours and remain colored regardless of further battery voltage changesor lack of voltage to power the indicator. The about 3 hour to about 4hour delay is desired to avoid premature warning when the batteryvoltage drops under heavy pulse load for a short time but the battery isstill not discharged. The heavy pulse load may be caused by a period ofheavy energy consumption by the load.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such embodiment.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A state of charge indicator, comprising: a firststep indicator with a first display threshold; a first auxiliary cellhaving a first auxiliary cell voltage, the first auxiliary cell iselectrically coupled to the first step indicator such that when adifference between a main cell voltage of a main cell and the firstauxiliary cell voltage is less than the first display threshold, thefirst step indicator is inactive and when the difference between themain cell voltage and the first auxiliary cell voltage is greater thanor about equal to the first display threshold, the first step indicatoris active; a second step indicator with a second display threshold, anda second auxiliary cell with a second auxiliary cell voltage, the secondauxiliary cell is electrically coupled to the main cell and the secondstep indicator such that when the difference between the main cellvoltage and the second auxiliary cell voltage is less than the seconddisplay threshold, the second step indicator is inactive and when thedifference between the main cell voltage and the second auxiliary cellvoltage is greater than or about equal to the second display threshold,the second step indicator is active; and wherein the first displaythreshold is greater than the second display threshold.
 2. The state ofcharge indicator of claim 1, wherein the first step indicator istransmissive to light when inactive, and the first step indicator iscolored when active.
 3. The state of charge indicator of claim 2,further comprising a colored background that is at least partiallycovered by the first step indicator.
 4. The state of charge indicator ofclaim 2, wherein, when the first step indicator fails, the first stepindicator is substantially opaque.
 5. The state of charge indicator ofclaim 1, wherein the first step indicator, the second step indicator, orboth is indicative of a fraction of a fully charged main cell voltagevalue.
 6. The state of charge indicator of claim 1, further comprising alabel formed around the main cell, wherein the first step indicator isprinted on the label, coupled to the label, or both.
 7. The state ofcharge indicator of claim 1, wherein the first step indicator is a fusecoupled to a thermo-chromatic paper such that when the first stepindicator is active, the fuse discolors the thermo-chromatic paper totransition a letter “F” to a letter “E”.
 8. The state of chargeindicator of claim 1, wherein the first display threshold comprises ahysteresis window of at least 50 mV that allows the main cell voltage orthe first auxiliary cell voltage to cross the first display thresholdmultiple times during a time period without activating or inactivatingthe first step indicator.
 9. An energy storage replacement indicatorsystem, comprising: a first step indicator comprising a first displaywith a first display threshold; a first auxiliary cell having a firstauxiliary cell voltage that is inverse-proportional to an energy storagevoltage of an energy storage device, the first auxiliary cell iselectrically coupled to the first display such that when a differencebetween the energy storage voltage and the first auxiliary cell voltageis less than the first display threshold, the first display is inactiveand when the difference between the energy storage voltage and the firstauxiliary cell voltage is greater than or about equal to the firstdisplay threshold, the first display is active; a second step indicatorcomprising a second display with a second display threshold; a secondauxiliary cell with a second auxiliary cell voltage that isinverse-proportional to the energy storage voltage, the second auxiliarycell is electrically coupled to the energy storage device and the seconddisplay such that when the difference between the energy storage voltageand the second auxiliary cell voltage is less than the second displaythreshold, the second display is inactive and when the differencebetween the energy storage voltage and the second auxiliary cell voltageis greater than or about equal to the second display threshold, thesecond display is active; and wherein the first display threshold isgreater than the second display threshold.
 10. The energy storagereplacement indicator system of claim 9, wherein the first display istransmissive to light when inactive, and the first display is coloredwhen active.
 11. The energy storage replacement indicator system ofclaim 10, further comprising a colored background that is at leastpartially covered by the first display.
 12. The energy storagereplacement indicator system of claim 10, wherein, when the firstdisplay fails, the first display is substantially opaque.
 13. The energystorage replacement indicator system of claim 9, wherein the firstdisplay, the second display, or both is indicative of a fraction of afully charged main cell voltage value.
 14. The energy storagereplacement indicator system of claim 9, further comprising a labelformed around the energy storage device, wherein the first stepindicator is printed on the label, coupled to the label, or both. 15.The energy storage replacement indicator system of claim 9, wherein theenergy storage device is at least one battery or at least one capacitor.16. The energy storage replacement indicator system of claim 9, whereinthe first display threshold comprises a hysteresis window of at least 50mV that allows the main cell voltage or the first auxiliary cell voltageto cross the first display threshold multiple times during a time periodwithout activating or inactivating the first step indicator.
 17. A stateof charge indicator, comprising: an indicator with a display threshold;and an auxiliary cell having an auxiliary cell voltage, the auxiliarycell is electrically coupled to the indicator such that when adifference between a main cell voltage of a main cell and the auxiliarycell voltage is less than the display threshold, the indicator isinactive and when the difference between the main cell voltage and theauxiliary cell voltage is greater than or about equal to the displaythreshold, the indicator is active; wherein the indicator is a one-shottype indicator with a limited quantity of active material and configuredto indicate a state of charge within a predetermined activated timecorresponding to the limited quantity of active material.
 18. The stateof charge indicator of claim 17, wherein the indicator is a ringindicator.
 19. The state of charge indicator of claim 17, wherein theindicator is a fuse coupled to a thermo-chromatic paper such that whenthe indicator is active, the fuse discolors the thermo-chromatic paperto transition a letter “F” to a letter “E”.
 20. The state of chargeindicator of claim 17, wherein the display threshold comprises ahysteresis window of at least 50 mV that allows the main cell voltage orthe auxiliary cell voltage to cross the display threshold multiple timesduring a time period without activating or inactivating the indicator.